Breast Cancer Rehabilitation - treatment for lymphedema, post-mastectomy, post-lumpectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy
Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
What can physical therapy do for breast cancer? That’s a question many patients and families ask themselves when they first hear about our work, referred either by someone on their care team or a friend who had PT after breast cancer surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
Your medical team is focused on treating your cancer. We’re here to help you regain your quality of life.
What We Treat:
● Pre/Post-op mastectomy/lumpectomy/lymph node dissection
● Post-reconstruction recovery
● Lymphedema Education/Prevention
● Scar Adhesions
● Radiation Fibrosis
● Axillary Web Syndrome
● Cancer related Fatigue
● Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
● Urinary leaking/urgency
● Decreased Range of Motion
● Decreased balance
● Decreased strength
● Daily Activity Limitations
Simply put, breast cancer and its associated treatment can create physical impairments. These include weakness, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, unpleasant nerve sensations, and limited range of motion in the muscles and tissues. These side effects can result from surgery where major muscle groups are involved as well as from non-surgical interventions, including medications and radiation. Like you, we’re proactive. We make sure you're prepared throughout this journey and educate you on what's to come along the way, such as knowing the signs and symptoms of lymphedema to address it early and prevent its onset altogether.
We’re made to move, and moving well leads to a higher quality of life, one in which you feel confident and strong in returning to work and all the activities you love. Physical activity and exercise have been shown to improve function and even survivorship.
We pride ourselves on our high level of technical skill and knowledge and the spirit we bring to our work. We’re here to help you build strength, boost stamina, and reduce stress, as your cancer journey can bring with it many unknowns. Many women we work with say that they look forward to their appointments, as it’s one part of their cancer treatment where they feel proactive and empowered—and are taking steps to reclaim their day-to-day life.
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“Hilary was referred to me by a social worker at the Carol Ann Read Breast Center in Oakland, CA via a friend. I was suffering from lymphedema following shoulder surgery. After each session, I always felt better than when I had arrived. ”
“ From the very first appointment, Hilary was like no one else, approaching my reluctant-to-move arms with skill, assurance and a seemingly endless supply of compassion. She was alert to even the smallest of detail, noticing, for example, when I couldn’t quite face another hospital gown. Plus somehow —in the midst of everything, she had me laughing. Oh, and my arms moving. To any of my friends facing surgery, I say exactly to them what my surgeon said to me, ‘You need to see Hilary.’”
“I was referred to Chelsea by my oncologist, post- breast cancer treatment when I was experiencing painful side effects from aromatase inhibitors that were affecting my quality of life and making it difficult to work.
Chelsea met me with empathy and compassion. She did a thorough history and listened to my story and my challenges. I had no idea that I did not have to “just live with it” as a survivor. She talked about how we could address the pain I was experiencing, and even asked about other possible issues caused by treatment and surgery.
As part of my treatment, she suggested pelvic floor therapy, which I found intriguing, and working together we have improved my hands, pelvic pain, back pain, and even hand pain. Over time, the therapy I received from her changed my attitude and outlook as a cancer survivor. ”
“When I asked my plastic surgeon if there was anything I could do to help the healing process after my double mastectomy, he referred me to Hilary. I’m so grateful he did. Hilary is warm, friendly, personable and extremely knowledgeable in what she does. She made a very scary time in my life into something very positive and healing. Not only did she physically help the post surgical healing process but her attention to patient care was exceptional.”
“I was referred to Hilary by UCSF Oncology Department, Berkeley Campus.
I had really been struggling with issues from a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. I had tightness in my arm, limited mobility, and nerve issues to name a few. After my first visit with Hilary, I was hopeful that I could be helped. During my first visit, she asked me a lot of questions about diagnosis and my journey. It was clear that she wanted to understand everything about me as an individual patient. I knew that I was not going to get a one size fits all treatment. She then proceeded to describe how she would address my issues and immediately taught me easy things to do at home. The visit was hopeful and empowering.
I appreciate Hilary’s ability to give effective treatment without it hurting!
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Check out our Breast Cancer PT Frequently Asked Questions here.